Is a sensation of skin crawling in about a 1-2 cm circle directly in front of the right ear likely a sign of anything? intermittent, maybe 3-4x week

Crawling sensation: Crawling sensation on an area of the skin without any rashes usually means there is some inflammation of a nerve that provides sensation to that patch of skin. For example, after shingles, the skin nerve may stay inflamed for a while and can give itch, pain, numbness or "crawling." TMJ usually causes pain but could cause numbness. Please have this looked at by your doctor.

Itch: I have known patients with a similar itch or crawling sensation. Many times it resolves on its own. Sometimes stress plays a role. If it persists see a dermatologist.